Zero rack unit space utilization

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an enclosure that stores accessories for computer-related devices in zero unit space. The enclosure comprises a frame with horizontal and vertical members coupled with frame tracks. The frame supports computer-related devices, such as server blades, in a rack unit space. The computer-related devices, being supplied by different vendors, have varying sizes, shapes, and attachment requirements. The frame tracks are adapted to attach accessories, such as a power source, a cooling device, or a wire guide, in a zero rack unit space. The frame is configured according to the EIA-310-D standard. The accessories and computer-related devices are mounted to the frame and the frame tracks using tool-less adapters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part that claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/403,794, filed onMar. 23, 2003, entitled “Universal Computer Enclosure,” and is relatedto U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on Jan. 30, 2004,entitled “Tool-Less Attachment and Removal of Components in a ComputerEnclosure,” both of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to an enclosure for storingcomputer-related devices, and more particularly, to storing accessoriesfor the computer-related devices in a zero rack unit space within theenclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Modern businesses make increasing use of multiple computerequipment, such as server blades. The computer equipment is typicallyplaced in specialized cabinets for use and storage. The EIA-310-Dstandard, promulgated by the Electronic Industries Association,harmonizes many aspects of the specialized cabinets. For example, thecabinets have rails on the left and right sides near the front of thecabinet with holes that are used to attach the computer equipment. TheEIA-310-D standard defines the distance between the left and rightrails, as well as the spacing of the holes in the rails. Indeed, manylarge computer device and server manufacturers conform to this standard.

[0004] However, the EIA-310-D standard leaves many aspects of thecabinet unspecified. For example, the holes in the rails may be squareor circular. While the distance between the left and right side rails isspecified, creating a specified width of an opening between the rails,the standard does not specify the width available within the cabinetbehind the rails, or the depth of the cabinet. In addition, the standarddoes not address where to store accessories, such as a power strip.

[0005] Thus, many computer component and server vendors sell productsthat conform to the EIA-310-D specification, but have different mountingand spacing requirements. Formerly, specialized cabinets were designedto hold the equipment from a single vendor. Typically, a business wouldpurchase computer devices from a single vendor to perform a task or setof tasks and store those devices together in the cabinet designed forthat vendor. Devices that perform another task or set of tasks would bepurchased from another vendor and stored in another cabinet designed forthat second vendor.

[0006] However, businesses have increasingly consolidated operations sothat, rather than segregating different computer equipment, thebusinesses wish to store all their equipment and accessories together,regardless of the task being performed or the vendor from which thedevice was purchased. This poses a problem, since a computer cabinetspecifically designed to allow mounting and storage of equipment andaccessories from one vendor will often not work with equipment fromother vendors, even if all of the equipment conforms to a standard, suchas the EIA-310-D specification.

[0007] A related problem is that accessories often use valuable space,or rack units (RUs), within a computer cabinet. A rack unit isequivalent to 1.75″, or three mounting holes. Computer cabinets aremeasured in available rack unit space along its vertical members, andcomputer equipment is measured in the amount of rack unit space neededwithin the computer cabinet for storage. But in typical set-ups,accessories consume rack space needed for the equipment. Furthermore, itis difficult to maneuver tools inside the computer cabinet for attachingthe accessories when the computer cabinet is tightly packed.

[0008] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a flexible computerequipment cabinet that allows mounting of various accessories fromvarious vendors for storage without depriving storage space needed forcomputer equipment. Furthermore, it is desirable that the computerequipment cabinet store various computer equipment from various vendors,and that accessories can be easily attached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides an enclosure that storesaccessories for computer-related devices in zero unit space. In oneembodiment, the enclosure comprises a frame with vertical memberscoupled with horizontal members and/or frame tracks. The frame supportscomputer-related devices, such as server blades, in rack unit space. Theframe tracks are adapted to attach accessories, such as a power source,a cooling device, or a wire guide, in zero rack unit space. Rack unitspace is a dimension of the enclosure that describes how much space isavailable for the computer-related devices. Zero rack unit space, bycontrast, is storage space contained within the enclosure that does notconsume rack unit space. One embodiment of the frame tracks comprise thehorizontal members of the frame.

[0010] One embodiment of zero rack unit space comprises a widthapproximately equal to, for example, a width of a vertical member, awidth of cooling space, etc. Another embodiment of zero rack unit spacecomprises a depth approximately equal to, for example, a length of ahorizontal member, or a depth of the enclosure. In another embodiment,the dimensions of the frame and the frame tracks are specified by theEIA-310-D standard. For example, spacing between holes on the frametracks and the frame, the width between vertical members of the frame,and other dimensions can conform to the standard.

[0011] In another embodiment, the frame tracks are adapted to connectstandardized accessories, and the frame is adapted to connectstandardized computer-related devices. In still another embodiment, theframe tracks and the frame are adapted to connect non-standardizedaccessories and computer-related devices from various vendors usingnon-standardized specifications.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the accessories and computer-relateddevices are mounted to the frame and the frame tracks using tool-lessadapters. The adapters comprise a fastener and a release member. Thefastener easily connects to computer-related devices and the frame orframe tracks without the need for a screwdriver, wrench or other tool.The release member easily disconnects the computer-related devices fromthe adapter and/or frame or frame tracks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front, top, and right side ofthe enclosure according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front, top, and right side ofthe enclosure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a bottom view that illustrates dimensions of zero rackunit space according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIGS. 4A-B illustrate the power source with tool-less adaptersaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate the power source connected to thehorizontal member with a tool-less adapter according to one embodimentof the present invention.

[0018] FIGS. 6A-B are close-up perspective views of the tool-lessadapter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for utilizing zerorack unit space in the enclosure according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention provides an enclosure that storesaccessories for computer-related devices in zero unit space. As usedherein, the term “enclosure,” “computer enclosure,” “cabinet,” “computercabinet,” and “storage cabinet” can include any type of enclosure usedfor storing computer-related devices and accessories. In one embodiment,the enclosure conforms to the EIA-310-D standard for computer cabinets.In another embodiment, the enclosure conforms to other standards and/orrequirements set by various computer device and equipment vendors.

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front, top, and right side ofthe enclosure 100 according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. The enclosure 100 comprises a frame (collectively 110 a-d,120 a-f) having vertical members 110 a-d and horizontal members 120 a-f,power sources 130 a-c, computer-related devices 140 a-f, and panels 152,154, 156. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations ofthe enclosure, such as more or less horizontal and/or vertical members,alternate accessories, and different dimensions, are within the scope ofthe present invention.

[0022] The frame supports computer-related devices 140 a-f of varyingshapes and sizes from different vendors. Computer-related devices 140a-f include, for example, server blades, routing equipment, storagedevices, computers, and any other computing device. The computer-relateddevices 140 a-f are mounted in the enclosure 100 by attachment to theleft and right vertical members 110 a-b, as well as to left and rightrear vertical members 100 c-d. Under the EIA-310-D standard, there aremultiple rack units along each vertical member 110 a-b. Each rack unithas three mounting holes. The distances center-to-center of the holeswithin a rack unit are approximately 0.625 inches. The distancecenter-to-center between the last hole of one rack unit and the firsthole of another rack unit is approximately 0.50 inches. This means thateach rack unit 308 extends approximately 1.75 inches along the rails.However the standard does not address the size or shape of the mountingholes. The vertical members 110 a-b can have round or square mountingholes that allow computer-related devices 140 a-f to be directlyconnected, or connected via an adapter.

[0023] In one embodiment, the vertical members 110 a-d are slideablyconnected to tracks within the enclosure 100 for adapting tocomputer-related devices 140 a-f of different sizes, shapes, andrequirements. In another embodiment, the vertical members 110 a-d areapproximately 42 rack units high and support up to 1,470 pounds. Notethat although the frame of FIG. 1 is shown as a three dimensionalrectangle shape in an upright position, that the frame can be configuredin other shapes and positions (e.g., tilted or otherwise rotated) and asupport structure that is not generally horizontal and vertical. Theframe is described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0024] The horizontal members 120 a-f (or frame tracks) are adapted toattach accessories such as the power strips 130 a-c in zero unit space.Accessories include not only the power strips 130 a-c, but coolingdevices, wire guides, and any other device to support the use of thecomputer-related devices 140. Accessory attachments can take a varietyof forms. For example, power source 130 c is attached parallel tohorizontal member 120 b at two locations. In another example, powersources 130 a-b are attached perpendicular to one location of two tracks120 b-c. Direct and indirect connections to the horizontal members 120a-f are described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Thehorizontal members 120 a-f comprise, for example, circular or squareholes to attach accessories either directly or via adapters. Because thehorizontal members 120 a-f are located in the zero unit space, attachedaccessories do not consume rack unit space. In one embodiment, thehorizontal members 120 a-f provide further support to thecomputer-related devices 140 a-f (e.g., rotational support).

[0025] In one embodiment, the power sources 130 a-c are connected to thehorizontal members 120 a-c using tool-less adapters. Tool-less adaptersallow accessories and computer-related equipment 140 a-b to be snappedon and off of the frame without tools such as a screwdriver or wrench.Storage is more efficient since the space needed in the prior art tomaneuver tools during installation is no longer necessary. Inparticular, power sources 130 a-b are blocked by the computer-relateddevices 140 a-f on the inside, making it difficult for installationusing tools. Furthermore, power sources 130 a-b are close together, sothere is not much space for maneuvering a tool between them. Thehorizontal members 120 a-f and attachments thereto are described infurther detail below.

[0026] The door panel 152, top panel 154, and back panel 156 are eachattached to the frame. Side panels and a bottom panel may also beincluded (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the panels 152, 154,156 are coupled to joints or axis of the frame and enclose its planarsurfaces. Note, however, that while all sides may include panels 152,154, 156 one or more sides may be open to the environment. A handle 158can be connected to the door panel 152.

[0027] In one embodiment, the enclosure 100 conforms to the EIA-310-Dstandard and/or requirements set by various computer equipment vendors(e.g., spacing requirements for cooling). In one embodiment, the vendorsinclude International Business Machines Corporation of Armonk, N.Y.,Dell Computer Corporation of Austin, Tex., Sun Microsystems, Inc. ofSanta Clara, Calif., Compaq and Hewlett-Packard, both owned byHewlett-Packard, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif., and Cisco Systems ofSunnyvale, Calif. Note that the enclosure 100 can conform to anotherstandard, or not conform to any particular standard, but simply includefeatures providing extra flexibility so that many different computerdevices from different vendors may be stored in the cabinet.

[0028] In one embodiment, the enclosure 100 has exterior dimensions of awidth of approximately 24 inches and a depth of approximately 46.6inches. Typically, the enclosures 100 are placed in data centers, whichhave square floor tiles 24 inches on a side. In such a data center, theenclosure 100 fits on two floor tiles, which eases acquisition of datacenter space and allows for easy connection of wires from below the datacenter floor to the enclosure 100. Since the enclosure 100 can be placedon a space one square wide, adjacent squares may be lifted to accesswiring beneath the floor square. This embodiment has an interior depthwithin the enclosure 100 and available for use by computer-relateddevices 140 of approximately 44 inches, which allows mounting andstorage of many brands of computer devices within the cabinet 100,including IBM, Dell, Sun, Hewlett Packard, Compaq, and Cisco Systems.

[0029] In another embodiment, the enclosure 100 has an interior depth ofapproximately 34 inches. The exterior depth of this embodiment isapproximately 36 inches, which allows the enclosure 100 to fit in aspace in a data center that is one and a half floor tiles deep. Otherexterior depths and widths and interior depths and widths may also bechosen, depending on what size computer-related devices 140 a-f are tobe stored within the cabinet. One way to determine the interior depthand width desired is to determine the largest interior depth required bythe computer devices to be stored in the enclosure 100 and ensure thatthe interior depth is at least that large. In one embodiment, theinterior depth of the enclosure 100 is at least 36 inches, which is deepenough for the computer-related device 140 (28 inches) and coolingrequirement (at least 8 inches of free space behind the computer deviceand in front of the rear door) of an IBM computer-related device 140.

[0030]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front, top, and right side ofthe enclosure 200 according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, there are no computer-relateddevices 140 a-f, making horizontal members 120 j-k visible. In additionto the vertical members 110 a-d are shown without obstruction.

[0031]FIG. 3 is a bottom view that illustrates dimensions of zero rackunit space according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thisperspective of the enclosure 100 shows horizontal members 120 d,i, frontpanel 152, a width of zero unit space 310 and a depth of zero unit space320. The width of zero unit space 310 is approximately, for example, awidth of the vertical members 100 a-d, a width required by equipmentvendors for cooling space (e.g., 8 inches), a width of the enclosure 100minus a width 330 of rack unit space, etc. The depth of zero unit space320 is approximately, for example, a distance between a front verticalmember and a back vertical member (e.g., 110 b to 110 c) and backvertical members 110 c-d, a depth of the enclosure 100, etc. A height ofzero unit space (not shown) is approximately, for example, a distancebetween horizontal members 160, a height of the enclosure, etc. In oneembodiment, dimensions of zero unit space add no additional dimensionsto the enclosure 100.

[0032] In one embodiment, the distance between the inside edges of theleft and right front vertical members 110 a-b is approximately 17.81inches so that devices conforming to the EIA-310-D standard will fitcorrectly when attaching them to the vertical members 110 a-d. In otherembodiments, the distances between the vertical members 110 a-d can bedifferent to comply with a different standard or with variousnon-standard computer devices.

[0033] In another embodiment, the depth distance of 29.13 inches ischosen because it is compatible with the requirements of the EIA-310-Dstandard as well as the requirements of a wide range of computer-relateddevices 140 from several different vendors. In one embodiment, thisdistance of 29.13 inches is chosen because it is the distance specifiedfor use with one of the multiple computer-related devices 140 with whichthe enclosure 100 is to be used and falls within an allowable range ofdistances specified by the rest of the multiple computer-related devices140 with which the enclosure 100 is to be used.

[0034]FIG. 4A illustrates the power source 130 with attached tool-lessadapters 410, according to one embodiment of the present invention.While tool-less adapters 410 are preferred for attaching accessoriesinside the enclosure 100, other attachment mechanisms may be used. Infact, some computer-related devices 140 are capable of directattachment. Additionally, the power source 130 is merely an example ofattachable accessories as described above. The tool-less adapters 410,or bracket apparatus, are attached to the power source 130 at eitherend. The power source 130 includes mounting holes 402 for attaching thetool-less adapter 410. These mounting holes 402 are shown as somewhatoval-shaped holes in FIG. 4A, however these holes can take any shape.For example, the holes 402 might be round or square, or the holes 402might include some type of adapter for adjusting the shape and/or sizeof the holes 402. In addition, there can be any number of mounting holes402 that arranged in various configurations and located in variouspositions. In one embodiment, only one tool-less adapters 410 may beneeded to mount accessories, and in another embodiment, more than twotool-less adapters 410 will be used to mount components.

[0035]FIG. 4B illustrates the power source 130 fully engaged withtool-less adapters 410, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the tool-less adapters 410, are attachedto the mounting holes 402 in the top and the bottom of the power source130. The power source 130 is slid in direction 460 to engage thetool-less adapters 410. The guide pins 403, 404 protrude through themounting holes 402, and the power source 130 is positioned between theupper frame 440 and the release member 470. Anti-rotation tabs 406, 408hold the release member 470 against the power source 130 to preventrotation. Pressing the release member 470 allows the power source 130 tobe slid from the guide pins 403, 404 in removing the tool-less adapters410.

[0036] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate the power source 130 connected to thehorizontal member 120 with a tool-less adapter 410 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5A, the tool-less adapter410 allows accessories to be easily snapped onto and off of thehorizontal member 120 in zero rack unit space. Power source 130 issecurely attached to the tool-less adapter 410, which is in turnsecurely attached to the support mounting holes 502 (shown in FIG. 5B).A right front fastener arm 506 and a left front fastener 507 along witha rear fastener (not shown) are each attached to a different supportmounting hole 502. In addition, a tip of a release plunger 504 isattached to a mounting hole 502. The tool-less adapter 410 can be movedagainst the horizontal member 120 to slide the fasteners 506, 507 andthe release plunger 504, into the support mounting holes 502 and snapthe fasteners 506, 507 and the release plunger 504 into position. Oncethe tool-less adapter 410 is secured to the horizontal member 120, thepower source 130 can be easily snapped onto and off of the tool-lessadapter 410. The tool-less adapter 410 can be detached from thehorizontal member 120 by pulling the release plunger 504 away from thehorizontal member 120, such that the tip of the release plunger 504 israised from the support mounting hole 502. The tool-less adapter 410 canthen be slid off of the horizontal member 120 by moving against theframe track in a direction opposite that used for attachment. This willunsnap the fastener arms 506, 507 from the support mounting holes 502 tofree the tool-less adapter 410.

[0037]FIG. 5B illustrates the horizontal member 120 with mounting holes502. While the EIA-310-D standard specifies the spacing of the mountingholes 502, it does not specify the size or shape of the mounting holes502. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting holes 502are substantially square. The mounting holes 502 have a width ofapproximately 0.38 inches, and a height of approximately 0.38 inches.This size is large enough to accept the mounting hardware ofcomputer-related devices 140 from many different vendors, and to acceptadapters that make the mounting holes 502 compatible withcomputer-related devices 140 and accessories that require differentsized or shaped mounting holes 502.

[0038] FIGS. 6A-B are close-up perspective views of the tool-lessadapter 410 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Morespecifically, FIG. 6A is a front view perspective, while FIG. 6B is arear view perspective. The tool-less adapter 410 comprises an adapterframe 612 that supports two guide pins, a right guide pin 602 and a leftguide pin 603, onto which mounting holes 402 of an accessory can bepositioned. Though FIGS. 6A-B illustrate the tool-less adapter 410 witha right guide pin 602 and a left guide pin 603, it can alternativelyhave just one guide pin, or more than two guide pins to which mountingholes of an accessory can be attached. Also shown in FIGS. 6A-B is arelease plunger 504 for releasing the tool-less adapter 410 from theenclosure 100. Two resting ledges, a right resting ledge 616 and a leftresting ledge 617, are attached to either side of the adapter frame 612,and these resting ledges support an accessory during attachment to thetool-less adapter 410. A release flap or release member 610 protrudesthrough a slot in the adapter frame 612 to secure the accessory. In FIG.6B, two anti-rotation tabs, a right anti-rotation tab 606 and a leftanti-rotation tab 608, also secure accessories to the enclosure 100.

[0039]FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method 700 for utilizingzero rack unit space in the enclosure 100 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The frame is configured 710 to supportcomputer-related devices 140 in rack unit space. In one embodiment, theframe and computer-related devices 140 are configured according to theEIA-310-D standard. In another embodiment, the frame is configurable tofit computer-related devices 140 from a variety of vendors, conformingto a variety of standards, requirements and/or sizes.

[0040] One or more horizontal members 120 of the frame are configured720 to attach accessories, such as a power source 130, cooling device,or wire guide, in zero unit rack space. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, thetool-less adapter 410 is attached 730 to the accessory. Then, theaccessory with the tool-less adapter 410 is tool-lessly connected 740 tothe horizontal member 120 in zero rack unit space. As a result,accessories are conveniently stored within the enclosure 100 withoutconsuming rack unit space used to store computer-related devices 140.

[0041] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention hasbeen presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseforms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate thatmany modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. Persons skilled in the art will recognize various equivalentcombinations and substitutions for various components shown in thefigures. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention belimited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claimsappended hereto.

We claim:
 1. An enclosure adapted to store accessories in zero rack unitspace, the enclosure comprising: a frame having support members tosupport one or more computer-related devices in rack unit space; and oneor more frame tracks, coupled to the frame, the one or more frame tracksadapted to attach an accessory for the computer-related devices toopenings located in zero rack unit space.
 2. The enclosure of claim 1,wherein the one or more frame tracks is adapted to connect a fastenerthat mounts to the accessory.
 3. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein thefastener is capable of connecting to the one or more frame trackswithout the use of a tool.
 4. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein theaccessory is capable of connecting to the openings without the use of atool.
 5. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein the fastener is capable ofconnecting to the accessory without the use of a tool.
 6. The enclosureof claim 1, wherein the one or more frame tracks comprises one or moreholes to secure the accessory.
 7. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein theframe support members are substantially vertical and the one or moreframe tracks are substantially horizontal.
 8. The enclosure of claim 1,wherein zero rack unit space has a depth measurement approximatelysimilar to a depth measurement of the frame, and a height measurementapproximately similar to a depth measurement of the frame.
 9. Theenclosure of claim 1, wherein zero rack unit space has a widthmeasurement approximately similar to a width measurement of a verticalmember of the frame to which the one more frame tracks is coupled. 10.The enclosure of claim 1, wherein zero rack unit space does not increasedimensions of the enclosure.
 11. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein theframe and the one or more frame tracks conform to the EIA-310-D(Electronics Industries Association-310-D) standard.
 12. The enclosureof claim 6, wherein the one or more frame tracks comprise one or moresupport members.
 13. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the one or moretracks are adapted to attach the accessory to more than one track at thesame time.
 14. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprisesone from the group consisting of: a power source, a cooling device, anda wire guide.
 15. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the one or morecomputer-related devices comprises at least two computer-related devicesof different sizes.
 16. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: aplurality of panels, connected to the frame, the plurality of panels tocover a plurality of planar surfaces of the frame.
 17. An enclosureadapted to store accessories in zero rack unit space, the enclosurecomprising: means for supporting having means for vertically supportingand means for horizontally supporting for supporting one or more meansfor computing in rack unit space; and means for connecting, coupled tothe means for supporting, the means for connecting adapted for attachingan accessory for the means for computing to openings located in zerorack unit space.
 18. The enclosure of claim 17, wherein the means forconnecting is adapted to connect a means for fastening that mounts tothe accessory.
 19. The enclosure of claim 18, wherein the means forfastening is capable of connecting to the means for connecting withoutthe use of a tool.
 20. The enclosure of claim 19, wherein the means forfastening is capable of connecting to the accessory without the use of atool.
 21. The enclosure of claim 17, wherein the accessory is capable ofconnecting to the openings without the use of a tool.
 22. The enclosureof claim 17, wherein the means for connecting comprises one or moreholes to secure the accessory.
 23. The enclosure of claim 17, whereinzero rack unit space has a depth measurement approximately similar to adepth measurement of the means for supporting, and a height measurementapproximately similar to a depth measurement of the means forsupporting.
 24. The enclosure of claim 17, wherein zero rack unit spacehas a width measurement approximately similar to a width measurement ofa means for vertically supporting of the frame to which the means forconnecting is coupled.
 25. The enclosure of claim 17, wherein zero rackunit space does not increase dimensions of the enclosure.
 26. Theenclosure of claim 17, wherein the means for supporting and the meansfor connecting conform to the EIA-310-D (Electronics IndustriesAssociation-310-D) standard.
 27. The enclosure of claim 22, wherein theone or more holes is substantially square.
 28. The enclosure of claim17, wherein the means for supporting are adapted to attach the accessoryto more than one track at the same time.
 29. The enclosure of claim 17,wherein the accessory comprises one from the group consisting of: apower source, a cooling device, and a wire guide.
 30. The enclosure ofclaim 17, wherein the means for connecting comprises a means forhorizontally supporting.
 31. The enclosure of claim 17, wherein themeans for computing comprises at least two means for computing ofdifferent sizes.
 32. The enclosure of claim 17, further comprising:means for enclosing, connected to the means for supporting, the meansfor enclosing for covering a plurality of planar surfaces of the frame.33. A method for storing accessories in zero unit space of an enclosure,comprising the steps of: configuring a frame to support computer-relateddevices in rack unit space; and configuring horizontal members of theframe to attach accessories to openings located in zero unit rack space.34. The method of claim 33, wherein zero unit space does not increasedimensions of the enclosure.
 35. The method of claim 33, furthercomprising the step of: tool-lessly connecting an accessory to thehorizontal member.
 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the step ofconfiguring the frame comprises: configuring the frame to supportcomputer-related devices of varying sizes and shapes.
 37. The method ofclaim 33, wherein the frame and the horizontal members of the frameconform to the EIA-310-D (Electronics Industries Association-310D)standard.